Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An experience of a Lifetime Past Review

By (Elementary Education, Gustavus Adolphus College) - abroad from 08/24/2015 to 12/12/2015 with

SAI Study Abroad: Rome - John Cabot University (JCU)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have learned so much about myself while being abroad. If possible, I would encourage everyone to take time during their college years to study or travel abroad. I think it is important for young adults to experience a different part of the world. Being abroad has put me outside of my comfort zone and challenged me in so many ways. I have gained experiences and made memories that will last me a lifetime.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

It depends if you plan to travel over the weekend or not.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? With a weekend trip about $300. Without a weekend trip about $50-$100.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan ahead to have an idea of your budget and expenses.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? none
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? The best way to practice is communicating with a local.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • My favorite part about SAI-Rome is the included excursions that were offered! Throughout the semester my program had planned events that you could participate in.
  • I also loved the people in my Program. When traveling to a big city it may be difficult to meet and make friends, however, being apart of SAI it was easy!
  • I appreciated the availability and support that was provided with this program. SAI's office door was always open for students to stop by with questions, concerns, or comments. SAI-Rome's on site coordinators were wonderful people and helped enrich every students study abroad experience.
* What could be improved?
  • It would be nice if everyone in our program would live closer together. However, everyone is within a 25 minute walking distance.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more Italian before living in Italy. However, I took a beginning course at JCU that helped me to communicate when needed.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.